Jost’s Hat Trick Propels Falcons to Clinch MW Tournament Berth

SAN JOSE, Calif., - Air Force women's soccer (7-6-3, 5-2-1) clinched a spot in the Mountain West Conference Tournament, marking their first appearance since 2017, with their 4-2 win over San Jose State (1-12-3, 0-5-3), on Thursday evening at Spartan Soccer Complex. The Falcons saw their first hat trick since 2021 from Annika Jost, who also recorded an assist, and one goal from Zahra Friess. Defensively, Trishelle Lopez and Syndey Nelms combined for six saves.

" I am so proud of this team and the confidence they are playing with at the moment," head coach Laura Busby expressed. "The first half of this season was not easy for us but they trusted the process and it paid off."

The Falcons struck early and often in the first half to take control with a 3-0 lead. In the eighth minute, a goal kick from Lopez sent the ball downfield to Jost, who buried it in the top left corner with assists from Lauren Steinlage and AJ Heap. Ten minutes later, Air Force capitalized on a penalty kick from Jost to double their advantage. The offensive surge continued as Sammi Kinoshita set up Jost's third goal at the 34-minute mark, securing her first career hat trick and the team's first of the season. On the other end, the Falcon defense held strong, with Lopez making a pair of key saves to keep the Spartans scoreless.

After halftime, Jost sent a forward pass to freshman Friess, who fired past San Jose State's goalkeeper to notch the Falcons' fourth goal of the evening in the 65th minute. The Spartans fired back with a pair of goals in the last ten minutes of the match for a final score of 4-2.

Busby said, "Our goal is to be playing for a championship on November 8, so we still have work to do. I am excited to see how far this team can go!"

Air Force returns to Cadet Soccer Stadium for their final home match against Fresno State on Sunday October 26 at 11 a.m. MT. The senior day recognition ceremony will take place prior to the match.

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